Cody William Michael Groat

Cody William Michael Groat passed away tragically on June 7, 2025, due to a motorcycle accident in Charlton, NY. He was born on May 28, 1993, at St Peters hospital in Albany, NY. Cody's mischievous grin, his giving nature and his outgoing personality brought a light into the lives of everyone who knew him throughout his 32 years of life.
Cody was a graduate of Burnt Hills Ballston Lake High School, class of 2011. Following graduation, he proudly served his country in the US Army from 2011 to 2013. Cody went from Basic Training at Fort Sill Oklahoma to AIT in Fort Leonard Wood Missouri then directly on to Airborne school at Fort Benning Georgia, where at graduation his mother, Mellissa had the honor of pinning on his jump wings. He was proud of his accomplishments and was known to have said proudly "Well, how many people can say that they had 4 graduations in less than 6 months?" After his military service, Cody returned home to Charlton and to his family. He worked various mechanic, construction and masonry jobs. Each job for Cody was more of an opportunity to connect with people, build friendships and be a part of more than just a crew that worked together but friends that hung out together.
Cody was the beloved son of Mellissa and Steve Harris, who provided him with unconditional love and unwavering support throughout his life. Mellissa had a special bond with Cody that went beyond Mother – Son. They were the first call if they needed someone, and they knew they had to call that one person who would always answer. They always were just more – they loved more, they annoyed each other more, they got over it quickly, they shared more laughs and opinions, and Cody was always there when she needed him.
Cody was engaged to the absolute love of his life, Chelsea Lynn Marie Wilson, who was his other half and partner in both adventure and life. They did everything together, they went on day trips just to be out driving and doing things together. They raised Kratos "his son" who was the most gentle, loving and loyal dog you would ever meet. They gamed online together, Cody on one tv Chelsea on the other, in the same squad, proving that even in the gamming world, they had each other's backs unconditionally. It was a mirror of their real lives, complete faith that the other would always be there for them no matter what. Cody and Chelsea have this once in a lifetime love that even though too short was powerful, amazing and the absolute definition of forever and always.
Cody's life was one of passion, enthusiasm and dreams. He had a knack for auto mechanics and could often be found working on cars, especially his beloved truck, "Roxanne". His leisure time was filled with hanging out with family or friends around a backyard campfire, gaming online, loving on his fur-babies, kayaking with Chelsea, and making memories on Sacandaga Lake. Above all, Cody cherished the time spent with his fiancée, Chelsea, and his family, particularly his siblings, who saw him as the rock of the family.
Those who knew Cody will remember him as a loving, kind, and funny individual. He was the epitome of a goofball with a heart of gold, always ready to lend a hand or find a way to make you laugh. His presence was a source of strength and comfort to his loved ones, and his loyalty was unwavering-if he had your back, you knew it for certain.
He leaves behind the love is his life and fiancée Chelsea Lynn Marie Wilson, his loving parents Mellissa and Stephen Harris. Cody was a beloved brother to his sisters, Dakota - who he called Kowa, Georgieanna, who his 12-year-old self insisted was going to be called Yo G Money right from the start, they finally agreed upon Gege. Victoria (Kyle McPhail), Cheyenne (Daniel Lewis), and Brittany (Phillip Carvalho), they are struggling through this together and all have so many of their own memories and stories to share of the brother they love. And Christopher, his older brother who he loved more than he admitted.
He also shared a special bond with his brother-in-law, Mark Wilson Jr. (Brooke). His aunts Lorraine Czerno (Karl Galusha), Sharon Cronin, Denise Kopacz (Joe), and his Uncle Andrew Smith. Along with his nieces Sophia Peters, Kinsley McPhail, Hailey Carvalho, Callie Carvalho, and soon-to-be baby boy Wilson and baby-to-be Lewis, they will miss the playful spirit and loving embrace of their Uncle Coco.
His father Billy Groat, who passed along his love of boats and motorcycles will miss him greatly. His Grandparents Cindy Lennon, David and Carol Harris, Arthur & Judy Peters, will deeply feel the void Cody's loss has left in their families.
He is predeceased by his Grand-dad Harry Smith, Papa Bill Groat, Grandma & Grandpa Lennon, and his loving Kratos, who no doubt were there to greet him with open arms, and paws.
Cody's life was a testament to the power of love and the bonds of family. His commitment to family was evident in every aspect of his life. Though his time with us was too short, the impression he made on the lives of those around him will endure.
Calling hours for Cody will be held on Saturday, June 14, 2025, from 3 pm to 6 pm at the Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, Glenville. Funeral services with military honors will follow at 6 pm at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to a memorial scholarship in Cody's name that will be established by his family. The scholarship will be issued annually to a Burnt Hills Ballston Lake School student going into the military or a trade service. (https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2822856509489152139&created=1749603273).